Buttercup

I wasn’t greeted when I walked in & the hostess kept looking at me waiting for me to tell her what I wanted instead of offering or asking. However, I was seated almost immediately. It was pretty busy so I didn’t want to complain when it took over 13 minutes to get water and coffee. In fact, my food arrived less than a minute after that. I got a vanilla latte that was served in a clear glass that seemed hotter than normal. It wasn’t drinkable much less enjoyable. When I finally was able to drink it I can say it wasn’t great but ok. The pancakes were tougher & chewier than I prefer but the bacon & potatoes were perfect. The eggs were fine. Kind of clumpy. The server (name on the receipt, I assume) was friendly but she did not check on me at all. The two times she came to my table I beckoned her. One of those times she was checking on other tables for the 4th or 5th time. She was walking off without even looking my way again so I yelled excuse me, which I hated. 😂 I watched as she refilled coffee & cashed ppl out. Mind you, I wanted a straw for my drinks & extra syrup. So I wasn’t even able to enjoy a beverage while I ate for an extended period. Later, I wanted napkins that I eventually accepted I wasn’t going to get unless I got up to get them. Also waited for the check for too long. When she finally came she did not immediately cash me out! She took multiple orders then passed the check off to a young lady walking by. 😂. I know that doesn’t sound out of the ordinary but again, I watched her (mainly because I was trying to get her attention) take other guests checks and immediately cash them out! I don’t know wtheck this was about. It’s kind of funny. Ironically, as I’m waiting for my change she brought back water & a fancy coffee to the table whose order she JUST TOOK. Mine took more than 10 minutes. 🤣 a man in a button up who looked like a manager or something walked by a couple x & did not engage with me. Not sure if he did w other guests. Needless to say the service was lacking FOR ME. Oh, I also watched as the bus boy used a rag to wipe the tables and then pulled silverware and napkins out of his pockets for the table. Should he maybe sanitize his hands in between? Anyhoo, the menu is extensive. Hopefully the service for me was an anomaly. I’d recommend but don’t expect anything in regards to the service. 🤷🏽‍♂️

Sunday brunch 10AM, got seated right away. Two words: Churros Waffles. Great crunchy textures and cinnamon taste. Had it with strawberries that are so fresh and juicy. Portions are huge. My brunch mate had the Shrimp & Grits and it was also stellar! I love the unpretentious diner vibe, diverse families and cozy seats. Dining room is very loud.

My only issue was all the signs about car burglaries. The once you are seated the employees all ask you if you removed everything from your car? I asked if the crime was that bad and they flat out lied and said no. Clearly if you need all those signs and have people rushing to customers' table, there is a problem. The fact they won't admit it speaks to their delusion. The entire city has these type of signs yet people act like its normal. Those type of signs aren't needed were I'm from nor any city where law and order is enforced. Sad to see Oakland let crime run their city and keep paying tourist away. I want be going back to Oakland til they clean up the crime issue.

We have adult grandchild who loves the burger, and curly fries. Today met expectation, hubby loves rueben with onion rings. I had the huge mediterranian salad, enough for dinner, too, if I add some protein. I like the omlettes too. Clean, waitress remembers my grand, even though we only come 2 times a year. Clean, quick, homey cooking. Updated with a few pictures from latest visit, we had already started eating. We don't eat fries, appreciate they let us trade eggs for fruit on kids pancake, and fruit for fries on chicken strips.

Buttercup was one of the few places open on New Year's Day, and I had a very pleasant experience there. The waitress promptly seated us and took our orders with great attention to detail. Our food arrived quickly, piping hot, and delicious. We enjoyed chicken pot pie and chicken fettuccine, finishing our meal with cranberry pie and a milkshake. Overall, the food was expertly prepared and made with the finest ingredients. The tables were clean, and the atmosphere resembled that of a diner, with the added bonus of a bar and a television, which was a nice touch. I will definitely be back for more soon.

Was a regular before COVID. Seems to be better, much better 3rd time since COVID Very nice staff, service. Had the chicken salad tostada and inhaled it. Partner has tuna salad we finished with banana cream pie, because they ran out of the key.lime pie. Would have had a better picture of the pie. Also a bar and TV at one end

This iconic place in Oakland really deserves its reputation. The breakfast was really tasty especially the cheesy grits. And the pie for dessert was amazing. I took some home.

The shrimp grits were excellent and the gravy was delicious. My only complaint is that they left the tails on the shrimp. Wait staff was great.

The Buttercup is my fave breakfast spot for shrimp and grits I recommend it to anyone who loves the cafe hometown vibe

The P is for pie, but today I chose the C for coffee & coffee cake. I was warned by my hotel that the portions are huge and one leaves here with a to-go box and in a diabetic coma. I chose a lite breakfast of scrambled egg-whites, a turkey patty, and fresh fruit. Made my own vanilla flavored coffee. My server brought me vanilla syrup in a glass, a mini-bowl full of half-n-half creamer and I doctored my coffee to my liking. Hey it worked. To avoid spilling the syrup everywhere, pour the syrup over the back of a spoon in the coffee cup. Voila no mess. My breakfast was good. The place was packed. Had a family with two of the most Hyper-ADHD kids in the place invading my personal space, bumping the feet against the booth, to laying down on the booth, and bursting out with a 'Yah-ooooo' while his Das tried to have adult conversation with his friends. I tell ya, that man has his hands full. Next my coffee cake arrived. Wow, humongous piece. I only took a couple of bites and sat and enjoyed my coffee while I was thinking of my review. A greasy spoon this is, but this is the spot in Oakland. Ok so the family leaves and here comes the busboy, clinging, clanging, the dishes, silverware in the black bin so loud that I looked up from my phone & saw others look his way. I paused and asked him, 'Are you mad today?' He smiled and said No. I think he got the hint and became quieter. Sometimes people are just not aware. No merch today. I know I'll be back. They have plenty of options and a bar. Until next time Oakland, see you on Yelp

This is going to Always be the spot! This will Always be the favorite! Good food ! Good Service! Good Ambiance!

Went for the shrimp and grits based on the recommendation here. I was disappointed. As a POC I thought they would taste like southern shrimp and grits, especially being in Oakland, but they don't. The grits are undercooked and lumpy, the shrimp is breaded and gets soggy in all that liquid and veggies, the overall taste was just meh. I wish I had ordered something else. The atmosphere and other food looked amazing. I saw the omelettes, waffles, fried chicken and other food that looked amazing. Service was great as well. I will be back but I will order something else next time.

7am morning. Quick and. Fast service. I had the corn beef hash. I asked for crispy and coffee cake to go.

Took the crew out for brunch for Xmas. It was a nice get together. I didn't get a pic of the mozzarella sticks but they were 5outta5. Nice size, crisp & very cheesy! Churro waffles - Crew member said they were good! Veggie omelette- Crew member really enjoyed the dish. Loaded potatoes - 4.5outta5 a lil too much cheese but delicious otherwise Shrimp & Grits 4outta5 Didn't care for the clumps of grits & although the sauce was delicious, there was a tad too much of it. Good seasoning, shrimp cooked perfectly & I enjoyed the dish. Nice atmosphere, attentive service; We all enjoyed the experience.

Came here for Mothers Day with my mom, grandma and sister around 9am, thankfully it was pretty slow around this time so we got seated immediately (business picked up RIGHT afterwards). Food was fantastic, the service was good, we ordered the chicken parm, cinnamon churro waffles, shrimp n grits, and pork chops. Everything taste phenomenal, was expecting the pork chops to be dry but they were extremely tender and well seasoned. My chicken was also done well, very tender. Their menu is very big, I like that even though it's early in the morning they still provide the lunch & dinner menu as an option as well. Great food, can't wait to come back!!

My husband and I ate once before food wasn't bad so we were back In town so we decided to go back for breakfast. He had the chicken & waffle and I had an vegetable omelet. I went to unzip my Purse looked up and here comes ROACH from behind the counter . I moved my purse told the waitress she told the manager he took a picture and said I will show this to corporate and killed it. So we got a $60 bill and a ROACH. We will NEVER go back again. This was on 09/23/2025

The service was excellent! We had a party of five, and one person arrived 15 minutes late. The staff was patient and welcoming, waiting until our whole group was there. They also checked in on us every 3-5 minutes to see if we needed anything, which I really appreciated. The ambiance has a classic yet modern restaurant style, very clean and nicely set up. Now, onto the food. I enjoyed the omelette I ordered, and the sausages were very tasty. While I personally prefer my scrambled eggs slightly undercooked, I didn't mind them here. A little salt and pepper on top added a nice touch of flavor. Overall, this place offers good value for the price.

I've been a customer of Buttercup in Oakland for years but today might be my last time coming. 2 weeks ago I ordered the beef Nachos for Lunch a hefty plate & full of beans cheese & xtras. Unfortunately when I retuned to my office 3 min away, I stuck my fork to the bottom of the plate & pulled up cheese, meat, sour cream, beans drenched in grease. Enough to make one nauseous. Tonight I tried again against my inner voice. I ordered a burger & fries, meat was flavored, patty was nice size. condiments ok, but lettuce slice was the brown slice from that iceberg lettuce that has been in the frig 5 days :( , sloppy application of Mayo, ketchup on the bread. And Nor foe the Grand finale this was close to 1 1/4 lb burger, with stale buns the size of a wendy's Jr cheeseburger, and the worst part, the bottom bun was flat as a smashed pancake, tearing and soggy. Beyond Disappointed.

Food was good. Veggie egg benedict did not blow me away but presentation was nice. My husband got the jambalaya and he liked it. Definitely big portions. Ambiance was nice and service was great too. Parking lot is tiny and so we had to park 2 blocks away.

We had breakfast which was served in a timely way, came hot. staff was friendly and welcoming. Coffee was warmed halfway into the meal. Ambience was pleasant, clean and comfortable.

My favorite meal of the day breakfast and Buttercup, after all these years I had yet visit until this day. They have a smallest lot that easily gets filled. I ended up parked on the street. My table was in the back by the bar with the big screen tv with sport channel on. I had ordered the country fried chicken with hash browns, easy over eggs and sour dough toast with ice tea. The portions are generous. Initially, a mistake was made on my eggs and the wait person had the kitchen corrected it. Surprisingly, the country fried steak had sufficient gravy. The hash brown was good. However with the corrected eggs, they were over cooked. From reviews and knowledge of this place for years, I wanted to like it but I didn't get taste that compel me to make another visit soon.

Parking lot full on a Sunday morning. A good sign for a hot breakfast plate. I did get that. Quick seating, greeted warmly, a pleasant server, and a hot breakfast. Just the classic with vegan sausage for me. Thank you

I only go for breakfast and the food is good but honestly what sticks out is that I have had some of the nicest servers. Very personable and kind.

Always on point for the daytime shenanigans full bar that's great and the food taste home-cooked always hot too. I loved his mashed. The pies are good too. Debbie you are the best server ever!

Food is good but not the best I've ever had. The service is pretty fast and you get your food right away. The ambiance is modern with a breakfast vibe to it. Ordered the biscuit breakfast and it was okay. The biscuit was a bit hard and the chicken tenders were kinda bland.

Everyone greeted me with a smile. My coffee choice had a twist as it does contain alcohol. It had chocolate sprinkles which I had to decline. The shrimp and grits were okay. Didn't like they had the tails on as I had to get a little dirty to remove them since were covered in the grit and sauce blend. Comfortable seating and has a nice intimate bar as you can have a cocktail if you so choose. Definitely would return but for a different meal item.

Classic breakfast dining! Haven't been here in a while and the experience was great. Our host was super friendly and provided great customer service. The food was yummy. I really appreciate that they offered a blueberry muffin as a bread option.

This is the cutest restaurant! Service was great! Even though they were busy we got seated and served quickly. The food was absolutely amazing. So fresh and tasty. Definitely try this place or if you are in the area!

Can't wait to go back food was really good I got meatloaf meal and cashew chicken. Both very good and honestly hands down fresh and cooked to order. Service was I don't remember not memorable though. Regular Dennys layout seating all the way in the back it better.

This Oakland landmark has been my favorite diner to frequent with my dad since girlhood. You can't go wrong with the chicken apple sausage, pancakes and wings.

I enjoy Buttercup a great deal. I think this was the first place years ago I got chicken apple sausage! My review today is for the delivery. I was staying at the Oakland Marriott Center for an event and ordered Door Dash. My food came quick and hot!!! And it was still good!!!

This is our weekend get the day started go to when we're in the mood for a delicious breakfast at a restaurant that has options. Weather your preference is sweet, savory, healthy, or a little bit of both Buttercup should be on your list. There's always parking available within a few steps and the entrance is accessible. We like to sit in the waitress Trynu's section because she's always super friendly with excellent service, plus she makes a mean Bloody Mary look

Great sou, specially, staple to every day food like meat loaf, etc... -edK Ps: try there chicken pot pie?

Visiting San Francisco and the family decided to come here as our first stop. Service was great and the inside actually was pretty nice. I will say, it does look like cars get broken into here (window glass was all over the parking lot spot we parked at). The waiting staff was kind and attentive, food came out quick too. I got a scramble, it was okay. I think they put a tonnnnn of tomatoes and I actually don't think it works too well with the giant potatoes, I think smaller potatoes would work better for this dish. Overall, food was okay, I would come back to try other stuff.

They have a parking area, I guess it's enough for the people that eat @ the restaurant. I did not have any issues finding parking. It's really huge inside the restaurant, lots of seating & also extra space that no one is in, but ready (great for large parties) It was a little busy inside but, they also had a lot of people in the front, either waiting for the food to go out to the tables, chefs or just extra workers. It took less then 10mins to get us seated, a party of 7 but assuming it's because the tables that were able to seat the big parties were already taken & they were all kind of spread out. It's a nice place to check out if your in the area. They have lots of options on the menu & our food spread was pretty tasty, we shared our plates because we were not that hungry & we had no leftovers, but whatever we all ordered, did its job & filled our belly's for the ride back to SJ

I love this restaurant. Anything you order from here is guaranteed to be good. I love they have a special menu for each season. The breakfast is phenomenal, omelettes are my favorite, I recommend the extra omelette (that's the name) but all of them are good. My friend took me here for brunch one day years ago and I've been hooked ever since. The service is also 10/10, the food is always made to perfection and the wait is usually not long. I loved the old location but this downtown one is very clean and tidy as well with the same great service and food. Definitely a go to for brunch or any type of food. They pretty much have it all.

Food and service was amazing. I honestly come for the shrimp and grits. Nowhere else in the Bay Area do they make bomb Cajun shrimp and grits.

Visiting family and this place was recommended so I was hoping to have a great experience. We did receive good service but many of our dishes came out extremely greasy and lacking flavor. Our waitress did take the plates back and off the bill. However, this is not a place I will visit again.

I've been a customer of Buttercup in Oakland for years but today might be our last time coming. Ordered cheesy grits and they had absolutely NO flavor they said the cheese was mixed in with the grits. Mixed it up a few times still no flavor nor cheese flavor. Added hella salt and pepper for flavor and still not the same as the Buttercup in Concord. My husband took a sip of my coffee said it was good so I asked for a refill of my coffee and they did but also gave him a cup and charged him. He did not ask for a cup of coffee. Overall flavor of our $40 breakfast was just ok. Guess it really depends on what you order at this particular restaurant.

Food and service is always so good. My favorite breakfast date spot with my girl! 10/10

The service is always pleasant here and I mean always. Restaurant is always clean. Parking lot is always clean. Victoria was working today on July 23, 2025 around 7:15 PM. She was very kind and had very great customer service skills. Hopefully someday she can be a shift lead or an assistant manager.

I'm not sure what the hype is about. I got the pumpkin waffle and made it a combo with scrambled eggs and sausage. The waffle was soggy before I even added the syrup. The candied walnuts saved it tho. The scrambled eggs were just that. The sausage wasn't anything special either. The service was also lackluster. All of that being said, the ambiance was pretty positive, which is why the 3 stars. The space was inviting and the energy in the room was upbeat.

Always good. I really like their Cobb salads with blue cheese dressing. It reminds me of some good times.

Normally I would give this more stars but because the kitchen staff were negligent with my food, I'm giving it one star. If I could give it zero stars, I would have. And here's why....

Bar tender was beyond amazing. Trynu is her name and she needs to run this business. Will be back !!!!

Buttercup Restaurant is Not The Same Anymore, I Won't Be Going Back Again, Today They Deliberately Gave Me Bad Food, This Has Happen Twice In The Last Month, I've Notice How Some Customer's Are Not Valued And Given Burn Overcooked Food

I went in to reserve a spot for seven people, and the girl told me she could not check me in till most of my party was there. The parking lot is small, so they had to look for street parking. Once everyone arrived, we got seated in less than 10 minutes. Our server checked on us only once and did not offer us more coffee refills. The pumpkin waffles did not have any flavor (1/5) T-Bone Steak good flavor (3/5) Wake me up, buttercup was strong (5/5)

I was excited to try this place after seeing Chilaquiles on the menu, so I decided to order them. Unfortunately, my meal was swimming in oil. It seemed as though a spoonful of oil had been poured over everything. There were pools of oil in the crevices, making it super unpleasant to the flavor and degraded my meal overall. This dish could definitely be improved.

Very good, my first time here. Modern interior, love how there's good lighting / I could see my car from outside the window. Foods good as well as customer service.

Had the Spring/Summer special Turkey Melt on my most recent visit, and it was soooo good! Iesoecially with Buttercup's delicious curly fries. Very kind and attentive staff. Consistently good food. Nice, down to earth restaurant with a plentiful menu filled with tasty home cooked food. Thank you Buttercup!

Solid breakfast spot. Used to go to the one off of 880 Dennison, but they closed down a few years ago. The quality of the JL location really got better afterwards.

It's spendy for what it is, but I think that's because of the location. The food is pretty good, we had different breakfast options, and we also chose to go for the alcoholic coffee drinks, which I have to say we're pretty amazing! Nice, friendly, fast service. Other patrons seem nice too. Good energy in the place.

Diner in downtown Oakland near Jack London Square... Parking private lot, clean and well lit establishment. Friendly service, as soon as I walked in i got seated and the server was super friendly and helpful. I ordered the shrimp and grits, really big portions, a lot of flavor, and i was impressed. I will definitely come back and try other things on the menu..

I had the chunky monkey pancakes today, and it was so freaking good. It had chocolate chips and huge banana slices topped with whipped cream. I had a side of bacon, which was thick cut and perfectly cooked. Damn, what a good breakfast.

Everything about this place is great. Food fresh, nice workers, and overall the place is great. It's not too crowded, so it's amazing for breakfast. It's surprisingly not too loud too.

On a whim we came to Jack London Square searching for dinner. Although the parking lot was rather crowded Buttercup's dining room was empty. Our server Julie was attentive but not overwhelming. There was a steady flow of customers, and once one table left the buser quickly came to clean the tables. For dinner we had the pork chop with baked potatoes and mixed vegetables and cashew chicken with rice. The food was piping hot, flavorful and came out incredibly fast. Not only was it delicious but many people admired our plates and decided to order the same. And the portion size was enormous, clearly enough for two meals.

Sat at the bar and still received minimal service, ordered the corn beef hash after asking if it was house made. It clearly came from a can. Very disappointing.